The Thrills and Challenges of the Python Hunt

Readying the truck and my crew for night number four of this year’s Florida Python challenge. So far, it’s been a great time: two Burmese pythons in two days and an unexpected bonus catch of a green anaconda. That was awesome….the joker tried to bite my thumb off!

The competition was proposed a few years ago by Governor DeSantis to raise awareness of the damage these giant invasive snakes are doing to our native ecosystem. It’s an invitation to the public to help curb their numbers and prevent their northern spread. The most recent US Geologic survey estimates that there are over three hundred thousand Burmese pythons throughout South Florida.

This competition attracts hopeful python hunters from all over the country. I’ve encountered participants from Maine, Arkansas, Texas, and several other states. Overall, everybody has been in high spirits, and a few have even enjoyed success. I got to meet with the director of the movie we filmed here last August and see a few scenes. I cannot wait to see it in theaters sometime early next year. I’ll keep you posted on that.

The hunting is honestly taking its toll with several nights left to go. Got a chewed-up thumb, a bruised knee, a wrenched hip, and sore all over, yet loving every second. Last night, I spotted a hatchling, which measured 32”, and called on my young friend Sean Cummins to make the catch, which he did like a pro. That was Sean’s first Python and he is hooked on this kind of hunting. The best part is he brought along his six-year-old daughter, Bristol, who is convinced her daddy is Tarzan!

The hunt is conducted by driving at night, idling along the back roads and levees, deep into our Everglades. Illumination is the key. By lighting up the roadsides and grass flats, searching for the big serpents which have arguably the best camouflage in nature. Once one is spotted, you have to wade out amongst the sawgrass and cypress knees to make your grab. They’ll generally remain still, trusting their camouflage to keep them safe. Until you grab a hold of them and then you had best prepare for a struggle.

I’m heading out now for night number four of this ten-day challenge. Wish me luck, and pray my body holds up. As always, if you have any questions or comments about hunting Florida’s invasive snakes, reach out to me at [email protected]. God Bless, and good hunting!